Orange, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Dog/cat limit, lots under 20,000 sq ft
- 3 dogs and 3 cats combined
- Small-animal limit
- 6 total (poultry, rabbits, rodents, reptiles under 5 lbs)
- Small-animal setback
- 20 feet from neighboring homes
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 17.13.040(F)(3)
- More than 3 dogs
- Requires § 17.13.050(R) compliance
Summary
On residential lots smaller than 20,000 square feet, Orange caps mature dogs and cats at three of each, and caps poultry, rabbits, reptiles, rodents and other small animals under five pounds at six total, with those small-animal enclosures kept 20 feet from neighboring homes.
3. The keeping of animals on lots having less than 20,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit, shall conform to the following: a. The total number of mature dogs and cats shall be limited to three dogs and three cats. b. Poultry (roosters prohibited), rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and other small animals (less than five pounds), shall be limited to a total number of six, and all such animals shall be maintained in coops, pens, or other quarters or restraints located a minimum of 20 feet from any structure used for human habitation other than that of the subject property owner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796775; v10 updated 2026-01-27).
Full Breakdown
040(F)(3) sets animal-keeping limits for lots under 20,000 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit, which covers nearly all standard single-family and multi-family parcels in Orange. Subsection (a) limits the total number of mature dogs and cats kept on such a lot to three dogs and three cats combined. Subsection (b) covers everything else commonly kept as a pet or hobby animal: poultry, rabbits, reptiles, rodents and other small animals under five pounds are capped at a combined total of six, and all of them must be kept in coops, pens or other restraints located at least 20 feet from any occupied structure other than the owner's own home.
050(R). All animals and their enclosures must be kept clean and sanitary and are subject to inspection by City code enforcement or County of Orange animal control staff enforcing Title 4 of the County's animal control, welfare and licensing code, which the City relies on for licensing since Orange contracts with the County for animal services.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than three dogs and three cats, or more than six qualifying small animals, on a lot under 20,000 square feet without the additional permit required by Section 17.13.050(R) is a zoning violation. Code Enforcement can issue a correction notice to reduce the animal count or relocate enclosures to the 20-foot setback, and County of Orange animal control can separately act on licensing, health or nuisance violations under County Title 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I have at my house in Orange?
Can I keep rabbits or chickens as pets in Orange?
Does Orange enforce pet limits itself or through the County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle pet limits.